ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women with ADHD have a different set of societal expectations than men, and those expectations can cause shame and self-blame. Treatment needs to account for gender constructs, hormone fluctuations, and symptom intensity.
Medication, lifestyle adjustments and therapy can help improve relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem.
Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD typically experience symptoms such as problems staying organized, difficulty remembering details, and having difficulty working in noisy or busy environments. They may also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations of being female, such as societal demands and family roles.
Women with ADHD may have a harder time getting diagnosed and treated due to these difficulties. Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed because they do not meet the criteria. The symptoms have to be present since childhood, and they must last at least six months before they be eligible for a diagnosis. It's important to know that stress and certain medications can cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
One of the main reasons women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed is because they are more likely to hide their symptoms. They may resort to coping strategies to cover up their symptoms, for example, pretending they are not feeling overwhelmed or over-compensating for symptoms that are easy to detect in males and females. Additionally they are more likely to have a mental health issue that affects their mood and emotions, such as anxiety or depression, which can be dismissed as an ADHD sign.
A bias against ADHD in the medical community could also be the reason for why women suffering from ADHD aren't recognized as having ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on ratings scales and interviews which are biased towards male behavior and symptoms. Many women with ADHD suffer from internalized stigma, low self-esteem, and are less likely to seek treatment or evaluation for their symptoms.
adhd in women checklist with ADHD have the inattentive subtype. this type of ADHD can be difficult to identify because it's more internal- such as wandering off or not being focused on their tasks. However, due to the increased awareness of ADHD among women, aided by influencers and high-profile women like Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano many women are seeking assessment and getting much-needed assistance.
Women with ADHD are more likely to experience rejection sensitivity, an intense and often uncontrollable response to real or perceived rejection more than women with ADHD. This can cause problems in relationships and a lack of support and a reluctance for women to ask for assistance.
Diagnosis
Women often go undiagnosed for ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to their capacity to hide their symptoms and gender bias. Gender bias in clinical settings refers a set of beliefs and practices that can negatively impact how doctors determine and treat women and girls with ADHD. It can take the form of scales for rating which are biased toward male behavior, or through internalized emotions that can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Women and girls with inattentive ADHD may have trouble focusing in meetings at work or during college classes, and could also have difficulty staying on track in their private relationships or at home. They may have homes that are cluttered, forget appointments and fail to pay their bills on time. They might be easily distracted by social interactions, and may have trouble managing their emotions when confronted with rejection or disappointment.
It is also possible that symptoms change during different stages of life. For instance, they could be more severe during a woman's monthly cycle or in the run-up to menopause, when hormone changes can cause increased irritability and mood swings. Women with ADHD may also have issues in their relationships with partners because of their impulsivity and insufficient planning, or they may struggle to maintain friendships due to social sensitivities to rejection. They may be more likely to be pushed to engage in sexual activity or to have unplanned pregnancy when they are unable to insist that their partners use contraception.
A precise diagnosis is essential to managing ADHD symptoms. Treatment, such as stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate, can help reduce symptoms. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine, may be beneficial too. When choosing a treatment, your doctor will be aware of any other health conditions and medication history you may have. You may also be required to make lifestyle changes and seek counseling. You can assist your doctor by keeping an eye on your symptoms and letting them know about any changes that you observe. You can also speak to your family and friends about any problems you're experiencing because they might be able to identify something you didn't notice. A diagnosis can aid in building self-esteem and feel more in control.
Treatment
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may struggle to perform at work and maintain healthy relationships and take care of household chores. The symptoms can also trigger feelings of low self-esteem or shame, especially since women are frequently expected to be caregivers. Due to their impulsivity, and increased risk of violence in intimate relationships, women and girls who have untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in dangerous sexual conduct or become victims of partner abuse.
attention deficit disorder in women with ADHD are most commonly treated with medication. Stimulant medications, like methylphenidate or amphetamines, help to regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. If they aren't efficient or suitable, healthcare professionals may prescribe nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will analyze a woman's symptoms, needs and history to determine what the most effective treatment is.
Although women are diagnosed with ADHD at the same rate as males however, they are often under-diagnosed because of the way they conceal their symptoms or disguise them with other conditions like depression and anxiety. The scales used to rate ADHD and the methods used to conduct interviews are biased towards male behavior symptoms. This can lead to female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being identified.
Many women find it a significant moment to be diagnosed with ADHD as adults. It can provide a reason external for the difficulties they confront and help them regain their self-worth. Also, knowing that they can reduce their condition and develop life skills that will help them throughout their lives can boost confidence of women.
Combining behavioral strategies with mental health therapies is the most effective way for many women to deal with ADHD. Therapy can help women develop strategies for coping and achieve achievable goals in all areas of their lives. This can be achieved with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help her learn to identify and alter negative attitudes and behaviors and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to increase awareness and the ability to set and maintain personal boundaries. Additionally, some women might benefit from finding an ADHD support group to connect with others who understand the disorder.
Self-help
Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed since their symptoms do not look the same as those of boys. They may cover up their ADHD characteristics by using coping strategies to appear "normal" or to meet societal norms. These coping mechanisms could be healthy or unhealthy, but they could prevent women from seeking a diagnosis.
It's crucial as well as self-help techniques to seek the help of a medical professional that specializes in treating ADHD in females. They can diagnose and treat this condition and help girls and women to better understand the consequences.
Women with ADHD can struggle to maintain close relationships and can develop anxiety or depression. These issues are complicated by their propensity to be sexually active at an earlier age, which could put them at risk for unwanted sexual relationships or intimate partner violence. Mood changes are also common in women with ADHD and can make it difficult for their loved ones to comprehend or support them.
The most commonly used treatments for ADHD are psychostimulants and antidepressants. Psychostimulants boost the amount of signals sent to the brain, which can improve concentration and attention. Antidepressants alter how the brain uses certain chemicals, like neurotransmitters, to manage emotions and moods. They can be adjusted by a physician to ensure optimal effectiveness throughout the woman's lifetime.
Girls and women with ADHD might benefit from self-help techniques like regular exercise, maintaining an ongoing schedule, setting reminders, or practicing mindfulness. They can also inquire about accommodations that can help ease their symptoms at school or at work.
It is essential for women and girls with ADHD to find a professional and therapist who has experience with the condition, as they can assist with a range of symptoms, including emotional distress and low self-esteem, difficulties making or maintaining relationships and problems at school or at work. They can also teach coping skills that include breathing techniques and relaxation to ease symptoms and improve their quality of life. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex refers to biology, including chromosomes and hormones, but the gender is an internal perception of self, which can be established at birth or by a person's behaviour and appearance.